Police Hopeful That Missing Autistic Teen Is Safe

Two days after an autistic teen was first reported missing, the Ocean City Police Department is hopeful that the 16-year-old girl is safe and healthy.

Investigators are "headed in a positive direction," according to Ocean City Police Capt. Steven Ang.

He said police do not believe that she's with anybody or in any danger beyond the fact that she's likely driving her mother's vehicle, despite the fact that she has no driving experience.

"She's doing a hell of a job hiding from us," Ang said.

Natalie Woollerton was last seen in the early hours of Wednesday morning (Nov. 28).

Woollerton is autistic and may have driven away from her mother's residence on the 1500 block of Central Avenue in her mother's car: a 2009 light-blue four-door Lexus (IS250) with a temporary New Jersey license tag P101925. The vehicle may also have a second license plate: New Jersey SL487K.

Police say Woollerton left the residence voluntarily. Woollerton does not take medication but may become confused if approached by law enforcement or unknown persons, according to Ang.

She is not believed to have a cell phone or cash. The rear of the vehicle may have damage due to a minor traffic accident.

The girl is 5'7" and 150 pounds and said to be familiar with Upper Township.

Anybody with information about the location of Woolerton is asked to call the Ocean City Police Department at 609-399-9111 as soon as possible.